The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a one-year mandatory service program for Nigerian graduates who are below the age of 30. The aim of the program is to foster national unity and development among the youth. But what if you want to serve more than once? Is it possible to do so?
Can I do NYSC twice?
The short answer is no. According to the NYSC Act, you can only serve once in the program, and you will be issued a certificate of national service upon completion. If you attempt to serve again, you will be committing an offence and liable to prosecution. The NYSC Act states that:
“Any person who has served in the service corps and who again serves or attempts to serve or allows himself to be served or attempts to allow himself to be served in the service corps shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine of N5000 or imprisonment for a term of three years or both.”
Therefore, it is not advisable to try to serve in NYSC more than once, as you will be breaking the law and risking severe consequences. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as:
- If you served in the armed forces or the Nigeria Police Force for a period of more than nine months, you may be exempted from serving in NYSC.
- If you are a member of staff of any of the following: Nigerian Intelligence Agency, State Security Service, Defence Intelligence Agency, or National Security Organization, you may be exempted from serving in NYSC.
- If you have been conferred with any national honour before graduation, you may be exempted from serving in NYSC.
If you fall into any of these categories, you will need to apply for an exemption certificate from the NYSC Directorate Headquarters. You will also need to provide evidence of your eligibility for exemption.
In conclusion, it is not possible to serve in NYSC more than once, unless you qualify for an exemption. The NYSC program is designed to be a one-time experience for Nigerian graduates who want to contribute to the nation’s development and integration. If you have already served in NYSC, you should not attempt to serve again, as you will be violating the law and facing serious penalties.
